Buffalo Chicken Dip Mac Cheese (Print Version)
Spicy buffalo chicken meets creamy macaroni and cheese for bold, comforting flavor in every forkful.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 pound elbow macaroni
→ Chicken
02 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
→ Sauce
03 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 2 cups whole milk
06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
08 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
09 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
10 - 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
11 - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
12 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
14 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
15 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped scallions (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbling but not browned.
04 - Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add buffalo wing sauce and softened cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
05 - Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, blue cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
06 - Add shredded chicken and cooked macaroni to the sauce. Fold together until evenly coated and fully incorporated.
07 - Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading out evenly.
08 - Mix panko breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the macaroni.
09 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until surface is golden and sauce bubbles along the edges.
10 - Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired. Serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Spicy, creamy flavor combination
- Great for family dinners or entertaining
02 -
- This dish contains milk, wheat, and cheese
- For added convenience, rotisserie chicken works well
03 -
- For extra heat, add more buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper
- Substitute blue cheese with more cheddar or Monterey Jack for milder flavor